Hazlewood to return to IPL in time for playoffs

MULLANPUR: Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is expected to make a return to his Royal Challengers Benglauru (RCB) in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs.

With 18 dismissals in the 10 matches he has played, Hazlewood is ranked fourth in most wickets taken this season. His best outing this season came against the Rajashtan Royals on April 24, when he took four wickets while only conceding 33 runs.

Hazlewood had left for Australia to rehab a shoulder niggle, before the IPL’s suspension came due escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. The fast bowler has reportedly undergone rehabilitation in Brisbane, and has also been preparing for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa.

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Hazlewood has been absent from international competition since December of last year, after sustaining a calf strain in the third test against India. He would go on to miss the remainder of the series, as well as the following tour of Sri Lanka, and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

RCB is already assured to move on to the playoffs. The only question is whether they will be in the first qualifier or the eliminator. Currently, they are ranked third, with 17 points. In second place are the Punjab Kings, who with also 17 points, are just ahead based off net run rate. RCB has one more match left, the last contest of the regular season, on May 27, which will see them face off against the Lucknow Super Giants. The Punjab Kings have two more matches left, and the first place Gujrat Titans, who have 18 points, have one more match as well.  

Hazlewood and Josh Inglis, who plays for the Punjab Kings, will head for the WTC final at Lord’s following their tournaments conclusion, while the rest of the Australian players on the test squad will head over on May 29.

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